Presented during Milan Design Week (20-26 April), Hemp Chair by Veronica Olariu explores a new way of designing furniture. The chair uses hemp fibre and a single tensioned rope to create balance. Instead of relying on a rigid frame, the structure depends on gravity and tension.

The design removes the usual separation between surface and support. The hemp fibre acts as both. It carries the body through tension and carefully distributed forces. This results in a lightweight yet stable chair that challenges traditional construction methods.

Material Honesty and Visible Structure

The project highlights the natural qualities of hemp fibre. The material remains visible, including its irregularities. The design does not aim for perfection. Instead, it embraces variation and achieves stability through balance.

This approach reflects a broader shift in design. Many product and interior designers now focus on material honesty and low-impact production. Hemp is a fast-growing, biobased material with clear environmental benefits. It needs little water, supports soil health, and produces strong fibres. This project shows that hemp can also perform as a structural material.

Design Driven by Forces

The Hemp Chair relies on forces rather than fixed components. Tension and gravity work together to keep the chair stable. This creates a dynamic interaction between the user and the object. The chair responds to movement and changes in weight.

This approach offers insights for designers working with lightweight structures and material efficiency. By reducing the number of components, the design supports more circular strategies. Fewer materials can also make disassembly and reuse easier.

Ongoing Material Research

The chair builds on Olariu’s earlier Counterpoise Chair. It applies the same principle but uses a different material. The loom serves as a subtle reference, linking the design to textile techniques.

Hemp Chair forms part of ongoing material research. It explores how plant-based fibres can shape future product design. The project points towards systems that are adaptable, efficient, and rooted in natural processes.

Source & photos: Veronica Olariu